Survey Technician 1

About Us

Nova Scotia is rich in natural resources – including biodiversity, forests, geological resources, provincial parks and the land we manage. Natural Resources & Renewables is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of forest, mineral, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the province's Crown land. Together we are working with Nova Scotians to build a better future through sustainable natural resource management as we all benefit from the natural health and wealth of the province.

About Our Opportunity

Under the direct supervision of the Crown Land Surveyor and/or the Senior Survey Technician, the Survey Technician 1 works as a member of the survey team responsible for: assisting the team in field survey assignments; routinely performing land survey work in the field; working as a rod person or instrument person locating, searching for and verifying corners, lines, boundaries, and monuments of real property; and collecting, compiling and recording field data. The Survey Technician 1 ensures the safe and proper function of equipment, tools and supplies needed for field work. When called upon in emergency situations, participates in forest fire suppression and search and rescue operations.

Primary Accountabilities

The Survey Technician 1 performs a variety of technical activities related to legal and technical land survey projects that define the boundaries or area of real property. They assist with the maintenance, verification of location, and relocation of property corners, boundaries and land monuments through use of conventional surveying equipment. They also serve as rod person on surveys, set up tripods, GPS equipment and operating prism pole/ GPS rover; operate total station, and establish reference points (triangulation stations, benchmarks, monuments) for surveying and mapping purposes. The Survey Tech assists in cutting lines of sight. They clear underbrush, limbing, and felling with power saws and other tools for unobstructed instrument sighting at ground level and for boundary maintenance. They also uncover survey evidence using a metal detector, pick shovel, spade or other tools and set wooden stakes and iron pins into ground as directed.

The Survey Technician 1 must calibrate, adjust, and install precision equipment and measuring instruments according to manufacturer specifications to operate and measure distance with a total station. They also inspect and test the operation of basic instrument components and systems. They check and maintain instruments including power saws, axes, tripods, rods, poles, GPS equipment and prisms to ensure all are in good working order; sharpen cutting tools; inspect and recharge equipment batteries.

The successful candidate will be required to

• regularly walk, bend or stoop;
• reach and stand for extended periods;
• carry equipment up, down and across irregular terrain for long distances;
• climb hills and walk over rough, uneven or slippery surfaces, cross creeks or creek beds;
• frequently lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 40 lbs.

Qualifications and Experience

Certificate in surveying technology or equivalent or an acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable.

Must have basic knowledge of land surveying practices, methods and field techniques along with a working knowledge of modern survey devices, conventional equipment and other electronic surveying equipment and tools. Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the workplace is an asset.

This position requires the ability to follow written and verbal instructions, be attentive to detail, to read, interpret and work from basic and routine plans, sketches, maps and aerial photographs. Must be able and prepared to perform manual labour such as clearing brush, digging or shoveling and to safely and efficiently operate and use associated tools and equipment (e.g. power saws, shovels, etc.).

Requires ability to work cooperatively in a team environment as a survey team member and to maintain effective working relationships with project managers, senior survey technicians and contractors. Requires good communication skills in obtaining information and/or dealing with inquiries from land administration staff, conservation officers, forest technicians the general public during the course of day-to-day operations

Requires a valid NS driver's license (minimum Class 5) or equivalent. Having First Aid Training and ATV training is considered an asset.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Travel is required extensively throughout the assigned region for field work. Travel can include the use of ATV's, snowmobiles, boat and helicopters.
• Field work locations vary extensively and include along high traffic highways, construction sites, remote back country, and off-shore islands.
• The position works outside extensively in varied weather conditions with exposure to the elements - often exposed to extreme heat and/or cold, wet/humid, windy conditions, bright and/or dim light, dust or pollen, tight environments and rough terrain.      
• May work in rugged and isolated terrain and may be subject to slip, trip and fall hazards which can cause body strain or injury while working under hazardous conditions (e.g., slippery footing, sharp stumps, blown down and hanging trees).
• May be required to enter woods during hunting season and must take reasonable safety precautions (e.g.: protective clothing) against known hazards.
• Exposed to insects of every nature, aggressive wildlife and poisonous plants.
• Must wear or use appropriate safety equipment when required.

Additional Information

This is a term opportunity with an anticipated end date of May 30, 2025. However, the position status (“term”, “temporary” or “casual”) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.